That is right folks, the girls are back in residence and the hive is buzzing. The guy I bought them from brought over his box all closed up on Tuesday night. Then we placed it on my hive stand next to my hive and removed the screen from the entrance. Yesterday morning the bees woke up in their new environment and spent the day getting oriented. Then he came over in the afternoon and installed them into my hive. My bees were completely dead by then and it was empty except for tons of ants taking advantage of the leftover honey. We then moved my hive over to where his had sat. This way the worker bees who were out in the field already would be able to find their way home.
Today they are out checking out the surroundings and getting acclimated. I will leave them alone for a week so they can get established. When I check again I should be able to see baby bees and eggs. I already feel better knowing there is life out in the yard again. I will now start shopping for the extra equipment I need including stuff for collecting honey. The guy I bought them from gave me a great price and is so nice. He wants to keep checking back with me over the summer to see how they do. I also spoke with M., my bee buddy, and he is going to come in a few weeks and show me how to identify good brood patterns. Beekeepers are so nice and all have told me they love to get new people involved. Some day it will be turn to pass the torch. Don't think I haven't already told Keegan all about the bees.